On Sunday afternoon 2 March Rhodes University's King's Field was the venue for the South African Football Association (Safa) SAB League derby between New Town City and City Pirates.
On Sunday afternoon 2 March Rhodes University's King's Field was the venue for the South African Football Association (Safa) SAB League derby between New Town City and City Pirates.
Families, students and former players braved the heat to watch what turned out to be an incredibly hard-fought and physical game.
Fingo Village's New Town City were victorious with a convincing 2-0 win score-line which does reflect the quality of the competition between the sides.
New Town City dominated the first 40 minutes, in which they scored both of their goals.
The first was a penalty through Masixole Heshu after a controversial challenge from Pirate’s defence.
The second goal came through a sequence of genius from striker Lucky Ngcani who scored during open play.
The forward pair of Ngcani and Luzuko Mlambo worked like clockwork together throughout the game.
Ngcani and Mlambo ran rampant in the oppositions’ half while using through balls behind the City Pirates’ wingers and pinning them to the corners allowing the pair to charge up the middle.
City Pirates however refused to bow out and produced a spectacular second half.
Malibongwe Hempe in defense was superb, while Bongani Dwani in the midfield caused havoc amongst the New Town City defense.
Despite the resurgent performance it was to no avail as New Town City's goalkeeper Akona Songcwayi was impenetrable from beginning to end.
New Town City coach, Luvuyo Yose had mixed feelings about the victory as it was his first win of three and his team was still at the bottom of the log.
City Pirates coach, Thobelo Babe refused to comment after the game.
